Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2022

The Board has dismissed the appeal of entitlement to an effective date earlier than November 8, 2013, for the award of service connection for right knee strain. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD due to MST) is granted. The issues of rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus and left foot plantar fasciitis, service connection for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, service connection for left arm bicep tendonitis, service connection for left knee strain, service connection for sinusitis, service connection for sleep apnea, and finding of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are all remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any identified disabilities and their relationship to active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions, including regarding SSA records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a right foot disability, a right ankle disability, and chest pain have been withdrawn.,Service connection has been granted for tinnitus.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a left or right foot disability related to service, and has remanded for further examination and opinion regarding fibromyalgia, residuals of in-service gynecological conditions, low back disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for joint and/or muscle problems, hypertension, duodenal ulcer disability, and left foot disability due to a lack of evidence supporting these conditions during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral pes planus with bunionectomy is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The Board found the Veteran's lumbosacral strain, bilateral knee, and left foot disabilities worsened since a previous examination in August 2017, necessitating a new VA examination to determine their current severity. The pseudofolliculitis barbae issue is also remanded for clarification of its history and treatment.

The Veteran's initial rating for back disability was denied, and a higher rating is also denied. A 40% rating is granted effective July 19, 2021.,A separate rating for objective neurologic abnormality of radiculopathy of the left buttock associated with the back disability is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for colon cancer and denied vitamin D deficiency. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent disability rating for his left foot condition, which equates to a severe foot injury with pain and limited range of motion, is granted. Service connection for hepatitis C is denied as the evidence does not show it was present during active duty or related to service. The Veteran's claims for left knee, right knee, and back conditions are also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left foot conditions (pes planus, plantar fasciitis, hammertoe, and degenerative arthritis) on a direct basis. The Board also granted service connection for bilateral hip conditions (coxa magna and osteoarthritis) on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has granted a rating of at least 20 percent for the back disability, effective from the date of the decision.,The Veteran's right foot and headache disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for his right foot, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the severity of these conditions during flare-ups.

The claim for service connection is reopened, but the issues of low back disability, depression, and bilateral foot condition are remanded due to lack of VA treatment records and need for additional examination.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent, and higher ratings are not warranted.,The Veteran's left foot disability with massive tissue loss, severed heel pad and recurrent dislocated metatarsal joint has a combined rating in excess of 40 percent for disabilities below the knee, precluding any additional rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with the reduction in rating for left foot disability and the increased rating claim. The Veteran must be provided a Statement of the Case (SOC) addressing these issues, including her rights and responsibilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional records and examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues are remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at a maximum of 30 percent, which is the highest schedular rating under DC 8100. The Board found that the Veteran had characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once to thrice a month over the last several months.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was not rated higher than 10 percent from July 11, 2018, to November 9, 2021. The Board found that the Veteran had pain on manipulation and use of the feet during this period.